Fluid operated coupling with detachable shoes



May 5, 1953 H. T. KRAFT FLUID OPERATED COUPLING WITH DETACHABLE SHOESFiled March 12, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Herman T. Kraft BY ATTRlz g Ys 7 May 5, 1953 H. T. KRAFT 2,637,427 FLUID OPERATED COUPLINGWITH DETACI-IABLE SHOES Filed March 12, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.F I 7 E Herman T. Kraft aux/M ATTORNEYS May 5, 1953 H. T. KRAFT2,637,427

FLUID OPERATED COUPLING WITH DETACHABLE SHOES Filed March 12, 1948 3Sheets-Sheet 5 BZZLEFJ 32 3;-

7 INVENTOR.

Herman T. Kraft ATTORNEYS Patented May 5, 1953 FLUED OPERATED COUPLINGWITH .DEEAGEEABLE SHOES Herman "l. Kraft, Akron, Ohio, assignor toTheGeneral Tire and Rubber Company, Akron,

Qhima corporation of Ohio Applicationilliareh 12, 19.48 SerialNmMAll'i28 Claims.

This invention relates to torque transmitting devices, moreparticularlyto such devices employing 'circumiereriti'ally extending,resilient, cleformable elements carry the torque load.

The principal objects of the'present invention are; toprovizle agenerally improved. c shioniug torque transmitting device suitable foruse primainly as a clutch but also embodying principles and features ofcoustructionbaving applications in brakes and couplings; to provide sucha torque transmitting device having a pneumatic element of deformablecharacter that movable to make "or interrupt a driving connectionbetween the parts of the device by the ingress or egress of a relativelysmall amount of fluid, more specifically to provide in combination aoircumforentially elements, friction'blceks and the elements be- I bigso interlocked. to be readily assembled or disassembled without clainageor injury to the parts, each of the blocks being positively retain-ed inpredetermined relative posit'on with respect to the deformable elementcarry same so as oiieoti 'ely to r sist excess tv suing, turuing'anclcircumferential. displacement of the block and the element; and to provitorque transmitting device of the type having a series of frictionproved means for maintaining a driving connection between the annulusand the member supporting the same.

A further object is to provide a friction torque device of the rubberannulus type having im proved. means for protecting the rubber annulusagainst burning particles resulting from establishing a frictionaldriving connection.

Stilliurtlier objects and. advantages of the inventiori relate to novelfeatures of construction and arraugementsof parts providing simplicityin design, economy in manufacture, and facilitating service 'andrepairof the 'devioeand replacement of wornand broken parts. Additionalobjects and advantages'will'bec'ome apparent from the following detaileddesoriotion made in connection with the accompanyingdrawings forming'apart of the presentspecifi'cation.

In the drawings Figure lis an end'elevational view of a'torquetransmitting .clevice partly in section and with parts broken'awayand'remcveii;

Fig. 2 is a sectional detail taken substantially on the 1ine'Z--i ofFig. '1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the friction block assemblies;

Fig. l is a fragmentary sectional view through the outer rotatablemember of the device, parts being broken away and removed, this viewbeing 'taken in a plane transverse to the rotational axis of the device,the parts being enlarged with respect to Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a radial sectional detail through the outer rotatable member,with parts removed, this 'viev/"being taken substantially along the lineiudi eatecl at iI-E of Fig. 4 and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 6 is a radial sectional detail, with parts broken away and removed,taken substantially along the line indicated at 5-4; of Fig. l, thisview showing the construction of the pneumatic inflatassembly;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational detail showing a portion of thepressure face of the rubber annulus, friction blocks removed;

Fig. 8 is a radial sectional view with parts broken away anclremovedlike Fig. 5 but showing the rubber annulus distended by internalpressure to establish a driving connection between the parts;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional detail taken substantially on the lineindicated at .l9 of Pig. 5 to show one of the transverse slots orgrooves provided in the rubber annulus for receiving and retaining ininterlocking relation the flange of one of the friction blocks, and;

Fig. .19 isan enlarged fragmentary elevational detail with parts brokenaway and removed, showing the interlocking connection between thedeformable rubber annulus and one of the individual friction blockassemblies which holds the parts in assembled relation.

Theprinciples of the'present invention are embodied in a torquetransmitting device intended for use as a driving clutch which couples apair of axially aligned shafts. The present cIutch has such. flexibilityas to permit substantial misalignment of the shafts both laterally andangularly.

Axial shifting of the shafts is also permitted to a limited extent,severe axial displacement of one of the shafts with respect to the otherbeing strongly resisted. Similar types of torque transmitting deviceshave previously been proposed, such designs being shown in my priorPatents No. 2,246,978 issued June 24, 1941, No, 2,252,128 issued August12, 1941, No. 2,246,979 issued June 24. 1941, and No. 2,326,300 issuedAugust 10, 1943.

Particular reference is made to copending application Serial No. 769,059filed August lG, 1946, on Torque Transmitting Device which disclosescommon subject matter. In the earlier disclosures are shown structuralelements such as supporting shafts, drums, discs and fluid supply meansutilized in a complete torque transmitting assembly such as a brake orclutch. The present invention is concerned with the friction means forestablishing the driving connection between the rotatable members of thecoupling or clutch and the resilient annulu or mounting therefor.

The present disclosure is therefore restricted to those featuresnecessary or convenient to a complete understanding of the principles ofthe instant invention, it being understood that the mounting shafts tobe coupled by the present device, the support and journals for suchshafts as well as the valves, conduits and glands for supplying thepneumatic fluid for actuating the device may be conventional or of thetypeshownin the prior disclosures referred to.

The clutch comprises an outer rotatable member indicated generally bythe letter A and an inner rotatable member indicated generally by theletter B. Either member may be the driving member and either member maybe the driven member depending on the particular application of thedevice. The members are mounted on axially aligned shafts, one of whichis indicated at I, Fig. 1.

or forged metal disc 2 which may be of relatively heavy section to serveas a fly wheel, the disc having a thickened peripheral rim 3. Mountedagainst one face of the disc rim 3 and interfitting with locatingshoulder 4 thereof is a circular drum 5, also of metal, which is of Hsection and has outwardly directed radial flanges 6 one of which isdisposed flatwise against the disc rim 3 and is secured thereto bythrough bolts 1. The outer drum 5 is formed with an-inwardly directedcircular channel that confronts the inner rotatable member B and has acylindrical face 8 which surrounds and is disposed in spaced rela tionto an outwardly directed cylindrical friction face 9 formed on cast orforged metal drum portion III of the inner rotatable member B.Interposed in the annular space between the inwardly directed face 8 onthe outer rotatable member and the outwardly directed friction face 9 ofthe tending resilient deformable element E mounting a series of frictionblock assemblies F.

The element E is preferably completely annular in extent and is includedin a pneumatic assembly which can be inflated to move the frictionblocks E into engagement with the friction face 9 of the inner rotatablemember so as to establish driving connection between the parts,

The annulus or element E is of molded rubber composition having astiffness corresponding to that used in conventional tires for passengerautomobiles. Body portion II is of solid rubher and is of relativelygreater axial width than radial thickness.

'40 The outer member A comprises a circular cast co inner rotatablemember is a circumferentially ex- One end face of the drum 5 is formedwith an integral circular rib l2 which fits within the shoulder 4 of thedisc rim 3 to locate the drum in precise axial alignment with the disc.The other end face of the drum is formed with an offset portionproviding a circular shoulder [3 which has a diameter matching the outeredge of the rib l2. Thus a plurality of the drums 5 can be positioned inside by side arrangement and matched to an equal number of the innermembers B on a common shaft to provide a torque transmitting device ofany desired capacity. In arranging the drums in multiple, the ribs l2interflt with-the shoulders |3 to locate the drums in concentricrelation to one another and the adjacent flanges 6 are connectedtogether by through bolts.

The circular drum 5 of the outer rotatable member is substantially of Hshape in section and has integral flanges l4 and I5 which are dis-.posed in spaced parallel relation and are directed radially inwardlyfrom the inner face 8 toward the face 9 of the other or inner rotatablememher. The rubber annulus E is received snugly between confrontingwalls of thecircular flanges l4 and I5, the fricitonal grip of sidewalls I5 and l! of the annulus on the metal flanges normally beingsufilcicnt to retain the annulus in place during assembly and transit.

Inner marginal portions ill of the annulus side walls l6 and I1 arerelieved or offset inwardly, providing circumferential clearances l9between .the annulus and the drum flanges l4 and l5 which extend aroundsubstantially the entire extent of the annulus. The clearances l9 permitslight axial displacement or deformation of the annulus E in use,extreme or severe displacement being limited by engagement between oneof the drum flanges I4 or l5 and the corresponding relieved side wallportion l8.

Thus, the body portion H of the resilient deformable element is free forlimited displacement or movement axially, circumferentially, andradially, subject to the internal resistance of the same to deformationand subject also to the physical limitations against excessive axialdisplacement afforded by the radially inwardly projecting flanges l4 andI5 disposed to support the side walls of the rubber element E uponsevere axial loading to limit the axial movement of the latter.

Along the inner edges of the drum flanges l4 and I5 the edge corners ofsuch flanges are beveled as indicated at 20 to accommodate overhangingor axially directed circular flanges 2| formed along the sides of theannulus E. The flanges 2| are tapered in section and are disposed at theinner or pressure face 22 of the annulus so as to extend the pressureface beyond the annulus side and beyond the clearances l9. These annularclearances are continuous between the drum flanges l4 and I5 and theaxial extension flanges 2| of the annulus to permit limited axialdisplacement of one rotatable member with respect to the other. Each ofthe clearances I9 thus opens along the edge of one of the flanges 2| atan oblique angle to the rotational axis of the device, the opening beingpartially shielded by the overhanging annulus flanges 2|. Hot particlesresulting from frictional engagement between the friction blockassemblies of the device and the face 9 of the inner rotatable memberare thus deflected axially away from the clearance openings by theoverhanging shape of the annulus.

Outer face 24 of the annulus E is of cylindrical '52 (Fig. 6) in the rim3.

- attaching flanges 6. A passage or bore 54 in the thickened member 53is aligned with the rim passage 52 to receive air from the latter, aseal being effected as by means of a gasket or packing 55 in arecess inone of the confronting faces. Aninternally threaded ferrule or stem s,having a rubber base 571' bonded thereto, is'emoedded in the annulus E,one face of the ferrule base 5? being disposed substantially flush withthe inner surface of the inflation chamber 5|. The inflation ferrule isbuilt into the annulus E prior to vulcanization of the latter so thatduring curing the base i"! is bonded to the reinforcing cord material5B.

An outer reduced diameter portion of the ferrule 56 extends beyond theplane of the outer face 26 of the annulus and is received in theregistering opening of a radial passage 58 formed in the drum crossmember 53. A headed tubular element 59 is externally threaded on one endto be threadedly received within the ferrule 55. The head of the element55 closes the other end thereof and is received in an enlarged end ofthe radial passage 58 against a sealing washer 3% of soft metal.Internal passage 65 of the tubular element 553 communicates throughradial drill holes 62 in such element with the interior of the passage58, the latter being continuous with the passage 56 which receives theinflating air or fluid from the pressure source. In this mannerinflating air or fluid can be introduced into the annulus chamber 5!during rotation of the torque transmitting device to deform the annulusas by contracting the same about the inner drum substantially to theposition or shape illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein the friction blockassemblies F are in engagement with the outwardly directed face 9 of theinner rotatable member B.

The contraction of the inflatable annulus distends the side Walls andthe force applied by the annulus against the friction blocks causes anoutward swelling of the protective flanges 21 in an axial direction sothat the latter more tent than the block plates 32 and 33. Thus, whilethe plates 32 and 33 extend over substantially the entire area of theannulus pressure face 22 to protect the latter and to receive thepressure of the latter in effecting and maintaining frictionalengagement between the coupling parts, the attaching flanges 34terminate inwardly of the side walls of the inflatable annulus so thatinterference with the movementof the annulus I during inflationl and Vspams? 8 deflation of the latter .is avoided. Such relief of the endportions of the attaching flanges 34 facilitates the engaging anddisengaging of the frictional drive connection between the parts sincethe side portions of the annulus are free to move without restraint.W'ear and chafing at the ends of the attaching flanges 34 are reduced.While the extent of the cut back or shortening of the attaching flanges34 may vary, a satisfactory construction is that in which the axiallength of the flanges is approximately equal to the width or axialextent of the inflation chamber 5 I. In such an arrangement the rigidplates of the friction block assembliesrinterlocked with the rubber ofthe inflatable annulus as by the rolled edges 37 of th attachingflanges, control the contraction or deformation of the annulus so thatthe latter moves uniformly and evenly during inflation, the deformationof the rubber being confined largely to the side marginal portionsthereof.

To press the friction blocl; assemblies F into engagement with th innerdrum face 9 the resilient annulus E is contracted or deformed uniformlyby suitable means such as air or other fluid introduced into theinterior of the annulus under pressure. In the particular constructionused in the device of the present invention a number of piles of rubbercovered cord reinforcing material, indicated at 5%, are used to form orsurround a radially flattened inflation cavity 5! normally of little orminimum volume. This cavity, extending circumferentially throughout theannulus, is located relatively close to the out 1' face 26, the bulk orprincipal mass of the annulus being disposed between the plane of theinflation cavity and. the pressure face 22.

The cords are arranged in parallel relation to one another and to therotational axis of the device. Thus the cords may be said to be axiallydisposed. In building up the annulus, plies of sheeted rubber containingthe cords are wrapped about one another to form the inflation cavity.The ply material is such as that employed in th manufacture of pneumaticvehicle tires, the building up of the annulus being done with the cordply material and rubber in uncured 01" partially cured condition. Toprevent the interior walls of the cavity from adhering to one anotherduring the subsequent curing or vulcan'mation of the annulus, a suitableanti-adhesion agent such as waxed paper or soapstone is applied to theinterior or confronting surfaces of the ply material which form thewalls of the inflation cavity.

Although the chamber 5| normally is of little or no radial depth itextends across substantially the entire width of the annulus so thatupon th introduction of inflating fluid into the same the annulus iscontracted inwardly across substantially its entire width. In itscollapsed or normal condition (Fig. 5) the plane of the inflationchamber 59 is within those areas or zones of the annulus side walls 18,and .i that are abutteo". against and in frictional engagement with theconfronting side walls of the drum flanges i4 and iii. The sideclearances i9 terminate short of the plane'of the inflation cavity. Thusthe drum flanges resist axial distention of the annulus in the plane ofthe inflation chamber and substantially the entire inflation imparts. tothe annulus is ffective in producing inward contraction or clutchengaging deformation of the annulus.

- During driving operation or running of the device the fluid pressurewithin the pneumatic annulus holds or forces the friction blocks Fstrongly against the cylindrical face of the inner-rotatable member. Acorresponding radial force actsbetween theiiet faces of the men 1 platesand 33 of the friction clocks and pressure of the rubber element whichunderlie the mounting plates. Torque is th is transmitted to a verygreat by frictional engagement between the mounting: plates and 10 andthe friction or pressure face of: the resilient deformabl annulus. Theinterlo hing connections between the individual friction blocks and therubber annulus E af orded, by the attaching flanges of blocks th ceiv-edin he grooves servetotransmit some f the chi ing torque, especiallydurii j engage in'g-e-nci disengagi 1g operations; theyalso resist twiting and turning a ell circumferential. displacement of the friobnblocks on the an- 20- nulus.

Should the damaged so that it more, they can b "'eadily rerun ing ani lannulus r t. eholding' rings. 28 in all? region of the block.- orblocksto be replaced so that the amiulus be priedout ofthe confining channelto the block flanges 36 clear drum flanges i l. (1 removal andreplacement of t e blocks. placement of the friotionbloci" WillhOLll)injury or damage to c E or. the bloclrsand without 51.16 use of spetoolsor; equipment. The blocks F are individm allyremoved using only:enough forc to c coinet'lie restraint of; th encs of the ti in the'rubbesoolretsor recesses and the sl "l1t frictional grip of the groove walls329 e onposite side faces of the block retaining flanges. 40

In: accordance with the patent statutes the principles of the presentinvention may be utilized invarious ways, numerousmodifications frictionb ks become WQTIL or ore to replace oneor by withdraw- .relation insorted to desired. itgbeing understood that the embodiment shown in thedrawings and, de,-- scribed above is given nicely-tor purposes of ex.-pianction and illustration Without intending; to; limit the scope, of.the (11211123170 th specific: details disclosed.

1.. In. a: torque? transmitting device, a, friction block:corriprieing abody element having a ti n; dependinwlange, and, in ooirbinetion tllererit 'r.

resilier formabl rubber-member for'nio' 7 ing the-bio said rubbermemberbeing: formed gel with yembraced by the rubb mem oer toretain thelock inv predetermined i sition relative to the rubber lnember-andtoresist tvvistin; of the block on the member; and interfll, .ngformations on the flange and Within; the groove on the rubber member toresist longitudinal displacement of the flange in the groove, said format-ions being located intermediate endsv of;

2; In: a torque, transmitting device, a friction block comprising a;body element having a thin depending flange, and; in combination therewith, a resilient deformable rubber member for mounting the block, saidrubber member being formed'with a narrow groove to receive theflangewith the latter tightly embraced by the rubber member, to. retainv the.lock. predetermined: 7

having relat v ly meta-b cut to provide a. mechanical, interlockresistant tohwithdrawaliof;theflange, from the groove in one directionwhile; permitting; longitudinal sliding: of the flange in-ithe groove;in another direction in assembly, and; interfitting formations on the.flange; of the; bodyelement. and ithin the: groove; of: the rubbermemberto provide another mechanioal interlock resistant to v sliding of the;flange in; the: roove.- to;- locate the flange in predetermined positionrelative to; the rubber: member and effective to v prevent:displacementof the flange in normal; use- 3- n a torqu trai sm .i e devce. a. fr t n, block, comprising: a.- body element. having; a, thin d pd ng flan e and, in: omb at on there: with, a resilient, deformablerubber; member for mounting the block, said rubber member being f medWith anarrow; groove; toireceive the flange with the lattertightlyembraced" by the rubber member. to; retainthe block; inpredetermined position; relative; to; the; rubber member-i and; t0-

s stw st of e; b ock. on: the; memb r, e er ove-ebelneundercut and hefianeehav e a lateral;extension;disposedyin thegroove undercut toProvide; a. mechani al. n erlock: res a o direction; while; p rmittina;ne. ud a j slidi of the; flanse nthe EIQQYB i efmther direction;

inaa emb v a ate ai'lyepro rud ns defiant an e; cede rece s be mcv ;WLtO ei ethe; detent n p ov de not er mechan c l n r- 1 0k; whichocates,v th flan e; n red e min d position; relative to; the groove,- the; detent, being, ovable; sm i lidma h f; the ro .v n. ass mb y y sl htdeionnation 0 al s. of. he roove, id. other. mechani al; mterloek: beiuf nt to resist lon tudina spla ment, of: e l n e aid p edetermined post o n; orma :;-v e torque; r nsmitt'ne de ice: o t e; ype

mem ers. ne a: resilie t: deprmab ru be fileti n b ock assemb s m u entd rmable m 10 1?; ch f which; G il?! aidl a sm hescomprising a; pen: fflan ed, et lnlatesihavin he fia ee ispo ei ack,-

to; back relat n; prov d ng; at omn it tta mentfiange theattaqllmentzflanges of the several-fr ctio block assemb iesei g; ceivetransverse generally parallel grooves formed in T e. resil ent etormableem r. nd. el me wea eres stinsl mater al, tach d t e a rs f ange me alpatese 5'. In a torque transmitting device of'the type havingrelatively-rotatable members oneof which carries-a resilient deformablerubber" element, a series offriction block assembliesmounted on theresilient deformable member,- each ofsaid assemblies comprising a,pairof fiangedi metal plates havingthe: flanges: disposed in back toback relat on: providing; a comp site ttachm nt; fl n e. he a achmen l nes Qi he s vera fri tionibl cks as e blie bei g ecei e in anse v rseener ly para11 1ierQQv s..-f rmed in t i ient, defflrma l memb r and. lm nts of Wen-resisting material attached to the pairsior" flanged,metal. plates, edge, portions of the metal plates of adjacent block,aSfiemblies being. Overpned provi i a su tan i fly c n nuouem l. sheathover the deformable rubber element.

62 a omueransmit in evice, of the. ype

11 having relatively rotatable members one of which carries a resilientdeformable rubber element, a series of friction block assemblies mountedon the resilient deformable member, each of said assemblies comprising apair of flanged metal plates having the flanges disposed in back to backrelation providing a composite attachment flange, the attachment flangesof the several friction block assemblies being received in transverse,generally parallel grooves formed in the resilient deformable member,and elements of wear-resisting material attached to the pairs of flangedmetal plates, edge portions of the metal plates of adjacent blockassemblies being disposed in overlapped relationship to provide acontinuous metal sheath over the deformable.

pressure face of the rubber element, said assemblies movingrelatively'toward andaway from one another during expansion andcontraction of the element, each of said assemblies, comprising a metalplate disposed flatwise against the rubber of the pressure face, andoffset flanges on the plates extending protectively over areas of therubber element and overlapping marginalportions of adjacent metalplates, the plates and flanges being so formed as to provide clearancesbetween the overlapped parts'of adjacent assemblies to avoid restrainingfrictional forces during expansion and contraction of the rubber elementwhereby uniform, positive, and rapid making and interrupting of thedriving connection is effected.

8. In a torque transmitting device, a friction block assembly includinga metal attaching plate having an angularly disposed retaining flange incombination with a fluid deformable rubber I mounting member, saidmember having a transversely grooved pressure face, the plate beingdisposed flatwise against the pressure face of the rubber member withthe flange disposed in a groove of the mounting member, and formationsalong the length of the flange "for interfitting with the mountingmemberjto resist lateral withdrawal of the flange from the groove,

said formations being of lessextent along the length of the flange thanthe 'extentof theattaching plate in the same direction providingprojecting plate portions having limited-freedom of movement toward andaway from the pressure face of the mounting member upon fluiddeformation of the latter.

9. In a torque transmitting device-of. the type having relativelyrotatable members, one of which is formed with an annular channel di-'rected toward the other, "said annular channel having spaced generallyconfrontingfsidewalls,

a rubber annulus disposed in the channel for establishing a drivingconnectionbetween the members, the annulus and the one member beingformed to provide a clearance space between the annulus and one of thechannel side walls, said annulus having an integral axially extendingflange disposed ineveriymg'riauun to said one channel wall to deflectparticles of dirt and the like away from the clearance space.

10. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable members, one of which is formed with an annular channeldirected toward the other, an inflatable rubber annulus disposed in thechannel for establishing a driving connection between the members, theannulus and the channeled member having axially spaced confronting sidewalls providing a circumferentially extending clearance andsubstantially annular means on the annulus extending axially outwardlyover and beyond the clearance, said annular means being joined to saidannulus adjacent one of said side walls thereof for axially outwardmovement therewith when said annulus is inflated.

11. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable members one of which is formed with an annular channeldirected toward the other, the channel having spaced generallyconfronting side walls, a rubber annulus disposed in the channel forestablishing a driving connection between the members, the annulus andthe one member being formed to provide annular clearance spaces betweenthe annulus and the channel side walls, said annulus having integralaxially extending flanges disposed in overlying relation to theclearance spaces and the channel walls.

12. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable members, one of said rotatable members being formed with anannular channel having a bottom and spaced, generally confronting sidewalls, a rubber annulus disposed inthe channel for establishing adriving connection between the rotatable members, the annulus having acircular pressure face in confronting relation to the other of saidrotatable members, the annulus also having a base disposed against thebottom of the channel and side walls disposed in confronting relation toside walls of the channel, and substantially annular integral rubberflange means on the annulus adjacent the pressure face thereof extendingaxially beyond and in overlying relation to the said side walls of thechanneled member.

13. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable members one of which is formed with an annular channeldirected toward the other, a rubber annulus disposed in the channel forestablishing a driving connection between the members, friction blockassemblies mounted on the annulus for engagement with the otherrotatable member, the annulus and the channeled member havingconfronting side walls disposed in axially spaced relation to provide acircumferentially extending clearance space, and an integralcircumferential flange on the annulus extending axially in overlyingrelation with respect to the clearance space to deflect particlesabraded from the friction blocks away from of the annulus extendingaxially outwardly over' the circumferential clearances to deflectforeign particles and prevent such particles from enterthe clearancespaces, said annular means be. ed to said annulus adjacent one of saidthereof for axially outward movement when said annulus is inflated.

-e transmitting device of the type r, o i Mole members, one of d. withan annular channel dithe other, an inflatable rubber --cd in channel forestablishing iection between the members, the one met-liner havingaxially outing sioie walls providing circum- .:e1::tiol clearance spacesbetween the annulus somber on both sides thereof, and pair of annularmeans on the annulus extending substar l; continuously anduninterruptedly about suostantially the entire circumferential extentthe annulus and extending axially outwardly in opposite directionsbeyond the side walls of the annulus and over the circumferentialclearances to deflect foreign particles and prevent such particles fromentering the clearance spaces, said pair of means hevely joined to saidannulus adjacent hereof for axially outward moveto in oppositedirections when said I flated.

ue transmitti: g ely rotatable formed with an l r rerd the other, aother annulus disa driving re, the annulus e in confronting l theannulus also having dispose. st the bottom of the side Walls posed inconfrontrelation to side Walls the channel, a plurality of frictionblocks means mounting such bloclts on the pressure face of the annulus,and substantially annular means on the annulus adjacent the pressureface thereof extending axially beyond and in overlying relation to thesaid side walls of the channeled member, said axially extending meansbeing intermediate the friction blocks the side walls of the annulus andof the channel to intercept deflect hot particles and the like abradedfrom the blocks cl iring op eration of the device.

17. In a torque transmitting device, a friction block assemblycomprising a metal plate having a depending flange in combination with aresilient deformable rubber member for mounting the block assembly, saidrubber member having spaced faces and an arcuate pressure face, andbeing formed with a transverse groove across said arcuate face toreceive the depending flange of the blooi; assembly for retaining suchassembly in predetermined relation to the rubber mem her with the metalplate of the assembly seated substantially flatwise against the arcuateface of the rubber member, the transverse groove having an opening atone end through one of the side faces of the rubber member for endwiseinsertion and Withdrawal of the block assembly flange.

In a torque transmitting device, a. friction block assembly comprising ametal plate having a depending flange in combination with a resilientdeformable rubber member for mounting the block. assembly, said rubbermember having spaced side faces and an arcuate pressure face and beingformed with a transverse groove across device of the type incrs, one ofrelation to s."

said arcuate face to receive the depending flangenuular channel di ofthe block assembly for retaining such assentbly in predetermined elationto the rubber member with the metalplate of the assembly seatedsubstantially flatwise against the arouate face of the rubber member,the transverse groove opening at one end through one of the side facesof the rubber member for endwise insertion and withdrawal of the block.assembly flange, and interfitting formations on the blocl: assembly andthe rubber member yieldingly to resist endwise movement of the blockassembly flange in the groove.

.19. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable structures, one of which includes a resilient deformablemember having spaced side faces and an arcuate pressure face and. aplurality of friction block assemblies mounted on such member, improvedattaching means for the block assemblies comprising transverse undercutgrooves in the deformable member parallelihg-the rotational axis of thedevice, each block assembly having a flange interloclsingly received inone of the grooves, the deformable member being formed with integralshoulder means at the ends of the grooves engageable with the ends ofthe block assembly flanges to locate such assemblies on the deformablemember, and slits in the deformable rnember between the shoulder meansat one end of each groove and the adjacent side face of the deformablemember for enciwise movement of the block assembly flanges through theslits in mounting the block assemblies.

2c. in a torque transmitting device. of the time having relativelyrotatable structures, one of said rotatable structures including aresilient deformable member having spaced faces and. an arcuate pressureface confronting a friction surface on the other rotatable structure, aplurality of friction block assemblies mounted on the deformable member,each block assembly including a body member disposed fiatv/ise againstthe pressure face of the deformable member and providing a frictionsurface for engaging the other rotatable structure, each blocl; assemblyalso including a flange embedded in the deformable member and grippedthereby to resist separation, the flanges being transverse tothecleforinable member and substantially shorter than the axial width ofthat portion of the deformable member in, which it is embedded, and thedeformable member substantially enclosing the ends as well as the sidesof said. flanges for restraining relative aXial movement thereof, andthe body members of the bloclt assemblies being substantially longerthan said flanges to provide friction surfaces of greater axial extent.than said flanges While permitting radial separation of portions of thepressure face of the deformable member from overlying marginal portionsof the block body members beyond the flange ends upon distortion of thedeformable member without interference from saidv flanges of the blocka.- semblies.

21.. In a torque transmitting device of the type having relativelyrotatable structures, one of said rotatable structures including aresilient deformable member having spaced side faces and an arcuatepressure face, a plurality of friction block assemblies mounted on thedeformable member, each block assembly including a body member disposedflattvise against the pressure face of the deformable member andproviding a friction surface for engaging the other rotatable structure,transverse undercut. grooves. in the deformable member and openingthrough the pressure facethereof, flanges on the body members of theblock assemblies disposed in the grooves of the deformable member andgripped by the walls thereof to resist separation, the flanges andgrooves being substantially shorter than the corresponding dimension ofthe deformable member with their ends disposed inwardly from said spacedside faces of the deformable member, and the body members of the blockassemblies being substantially longer than said flanges and grooves toprovide friction surfaces of greater axial extent than said flanges andgrooves while permitting radial separation of portions of the pressureface of the deformable member from overlying marginal portions of theblock body members beyond the flange ends upon distortion of thedeformable member without interference from said flanges of the blockassemblies.

"22. In a torque transmitting device of the type having generallyconcentric relatively rotatable members and an inflatable, deformable,rubber annulus disposed between the members and surrounding one of them,a plurality of metal plates spaced about the annulus and individuallybonded thereto, and means for removably securing the plates to the othermember to fasten the annulus to such other member for facile removal andreplacement.

23. In a torque transmitting device'of the type having generallyconcentric relatively rotatable members and an inflatable, deformablerubber annulus disposed between the members, the annulus and one of themembers having substantiallycylindrical faces disposed one against theother, a plurality of circumferentially spaced,

substantially flat, metal plates individually bonded to the annulus anddisposed substantially flush with said cylindrical face of the annulus,and means for removably securing the plates to said one rotatable memberfor facile removal and replacement.

24. In a torque transmitting device of the type having generallyconcentric relatively rotatable members and an inflatable, deformable,rubber annulus disposed between the members, one of said members forminga circumferentially extending channel opening radially toward the othermember, the annulus and the bottom of said channel having substantiallycylindrical faces disposed one against the other, a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced, substantially flat,

metal plates individually bonded to the annulus and disposedsubstantially flush with said cylindrical face of said annulus, and pinssecured to the plates and extending into said one member through thecylindrical face thereof.

25. In a torque transmitting device having relatively rotatable innerand outer members and an inflatable rubber annulus disposed between themembers for establishing a driving connection therebetween, the outermember forming a circumferentially extending channel opening radiallyinwardly for receiving the rubber annulus, metal plates secured to therubber annulus and disposed in spaced relation to one another in aseries extending circumferentially of which is formed with an annularchannel directed toward the other member, said channel being defined bya bottom wall and a pair of spaced generally parallel confronting sidewalls, a resilient deformable rubber annulus disposed in the channel andhaving an attaching face against the channel bottom wall, said rubberannulus having a pressure face for mounting friction blocks and anannular internal chamber for receiving fluid under pressure to expandthe rubber annulus in making a driving connection between the members,and blocks mounted on the pressure face of the rubber annulus forfrictional engagement with the other rotatable member, the rubberannulus having side faces disposed in confronting relation to thechannel side walls, portions of the faces of the rubber annulus adjacentthe attaching face being in neutral contact with the channel walls,other portions of the side faces of the rubber annulus adjacent thepressure face being substantially parallel to and spaced from thechannel walls to provide annular clearances along the sides of therubber element between such annulus and the walls of the channel, saidclearances being of greater radial depth than axial thickness and beinglocated in a zone between the radius of the pressure face of the rubberannulus and a radius intermediate the radius of the attaching surfaceand the radius of the pressure face of the rubber annulus, and saidinternal chamber being located in a zone wholly between saidintermediate radius and the attaching face of the rubber annulus, andthe rubber annulus being free in" the zone of said clearances to bedeformed axially in either direction into contact with a side wall ofsaid channel and arcuate shoulders on the rubber annulus extendingaround the same adjacent the pressure face theerof, said shouldersengaging the channel side walls and substantially closing said annularclearances to entry of hot foreign particles.

27. A fluid motor for use as one of the relatively rotatable componentsof a torque transmitting device, said motor comprising a rigid memberdefining an annular channel having spaced confronting side walls and asubstantially cylindrical bottom wall, a resilient deformable annulusdisposed in said channel, said annulus having oppositely directedsubstantially cylindrical pressure and base surfaces, the base surfaceand the bottom wall of the channel being adjacent one another, saidannulus having certain side wall portions located adjacent said basesurface and disposed in contacting relation against portions of the sidewalls of the channel, and said annulus also having other side wallportions disposed in closely spaced, confronting, generally parallelrelation to other portions of the side walls of the channel in theprovision of relatively narrow clearances between said other side wallportions of the annulus and the channel in a flexing zone locatedbetween 'surfaces generated by the pressure and base sur- 1 faces of theannulus, said zone being located ad- I jacent the pressure surface ofthe annulus and spaced from the bottom wall of the channel by thedimensions of the channel wall contacting portions of the annulus sidewalls throughout substantially the entire circumferential extent of theannulus, and means providing a chamber located in the space between thebottom wall of the channel and the flexing zone for receiving fluidunder pressure to distend the annulus in establishing a drivingconnection; the said other I side wall portions of the annulus beingsubstantially wholly unconfined to permit relative movement of suchannulus side wall portions toward and away from the channel side wallsupon distension of the annulus and in working of the annulus undernormal loads and to permit supporting frictional contact of said otherside wall portions of the annulus against the channel side walls undersevere loads.

28. A fluid motor for use as one of the rela tively rotatable componentsof a torque transmitting device, said motor comprising a rigid memberdefining an annular channel having spaced confronting side walls and asubstantially cylindrical bottom wall, a resilient deformable annulusdisposed in said channel, said annulus having oppositely directedsubstantially cylindrical pressure and base surfaces, the base surfaceand the bottom wall of the channel being adjacent one another, saidannulus having certain side wall portions located adjacent said basesurface and disposed in contacting relation against portions of the sidewalls of the channel, and said annulus also having other side wallportions disposed in closely spaced, confronting, generally parallelrelation to other portions of the side Walls of the channel in theprovision of relatively narrow clearances between said other side Wallportions of the annulus and the channel in a flexing zone locatedbetween surfaces generated by the pressure and base surfaces of theannulus, said zone being located adjacent the pressure surface of theannulus and spaced from the bottom wall of the channel by the dimensionsof the channel wall contacting portions of the annulus side wallsthroughout substantially the entire circumferential extent of theannulus, friction block assemblies secured to the annulus and disposedagainst the pressure surface, and means providing a chamber located inthe space between the bottom wall of the channel and the flexing zonefor receiving fluid under pressure to distend the annulus inestablishing a driving connection, the said other side wall portions ofthe annulus being substantially wholly unconfined to permit relativemovement of such annulus side wall portions toward and away from thechannel side walls upon distension of the annulus and in working of theannulus under normal loads and to permit supporting frictional contactof said other side wall portions of the annulus against the channel sidewalls under severe loads.

HERMAN T. KRAFT.

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